The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has raised urgent concerns over the safety of roughly 20,000 seafarers stranded in the Persian Gulf since the outbreak of hostilities between the United States and Iran.
IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez called for the immediate protection of maritime personnel following reports of fatalities in the region.
In a statement, Dominguez said: "I am deeply concerned and saddened by the deadly attack on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on March 6, 2026, which killed at least four seafarers and seriously injured three others. My condolences go to the families of the victims and to the global maritime community that mourns these losses. This situation is unacceptable and unsustainable. All parties must take the necessary measures to ensure the protection of seafarers, their rights, and safety, as well as freedom of navigation under international law."
Estimates indicate that around 150 container ships, 450 oil and gas tankers, and 200 general cargo vessels were operating in the Strait of Hormuz at the outbreak of the conflict, leaving thousands of crew members effectively trapped aboard.
Air travel has largely halted across the region, limiting evacuation options. Even if seafarers could leave by air, shipowners are reluctant to abandon vessels valued at tens or hundreds of millions of dollars without crews.
Since February 28, at least ten commercial vessels have been struck or narrowly avoided incidents, further escalating fears over maritime safety in the strategic waterway.
The IMO emphasized the urgent need for coordinated international action to protect seafarers and ensure safe passage through one of the world’s most critical shipping corridors.
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